City of Oconto Fire-Rescue Department
1210 Main Street
Oconto, WI 54153
Fire Chief Jack Mlnarik
920-834-7775
920-834-7710 Fax
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######### For Immediate Release ##########
Report of Structure Fire at 900 Main St
On Sunday morning, December 25th, 2013 at approximately 12:14 am, Oconto Fire and Rescue
Department units were dispatched to 900 Main St for a report of a structure fire.
At that address is the Log Jam Saloon, a 2 story, masonry construction bar on the lower level
and a vacant apartment upstairs of approximately 3000 square feet owned by Hugo Rental and
Investment Properties Co INC. Upon arrival fire crews found heavy gray smoke coming from
the eaves and fire in the rear upper window. Unsure if anyone was in the building firefighters
attempted to enter but were driven back by extreme fire conditions and debris that impeded their
route. These factors limited the initial fire suppression efforts to the exterior of the building
Two engines, one aerial ladder truck, one rescue truck, three ambulances and sixteen Oconto
Firefighters, responded to the call. The Pensaukee Fire Department responded with one Engine,
two Tenders, one Equipment Van, and ten personnel. Also assisting was the Oconto Falls Fire
Department with one Engine and five personnel. Overall three departments and 31 personnel
were used in helping to extinguish this fire.
Firefighters did an excellent job battling the extreme weather conditions at the time of this fire.
The fire was contained to the upper story of the large building, but smoke and water caused
extensive damage to the building and its contents. Fire units had the fire controlled within four
hours, but remained on scene for an additional nine hours extinguishing hot spots and starting an
investigation. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported.
Damage was extensive to the structure and its contents. Estimated loss to the building and
contents is approximately $98,000. The Oconto Fire & Rescue Department is working with the
Oconto Police Department and State Fire Marshal to determine the cause.
While the Oconto Fire Department was on scene, the Oconto Ambulance responded to two
ambulance calls within the City of Oconto.
Chief Jack Mlnarik
Oconto Fire Rescue